The upcoming Fiesta Grande of Mexican football is nearly here, and GOAL takes a closer look at how the qualifiers are shaping the competition.
Following a thrilling regular phase, the Opening 2023 season of Liga MX will deliver a clash of high-stakes matchups as the eight qualified teams battle for the title. Each club has pushed hard to position itself as a title contender, offering battles that will keep fans across Canada and the United States on the edge of their seats.
LIVE Liguilla Apertura 2023: Crossings, qualification, dates and times
Powerhouses like Club America, Monterrey and Tigres are among the favorites to lift the trophy; yet challengers such as Club Universidad Nacional, Cruz Azul and others will push to advance through the knockout rounds in pursuit of glory.
GOAL tracks the history of every qualified team as they vie for the Liga MX title, highlighting past performances and the momentum each club brings into the postseason:
AMERICA (63)
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MONTERR Y (40)
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TIGERS (39)
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PUMAS (41)
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CHIVAS (45)
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PUEBLA (25)
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ATLETICO SAN LUIS (11)
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LION (21)
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As the field narrows, fans will be watching how each club adapts to the knockout format, managing injuries, squad rotation and tactical shifts that can determine progression or elimination across the single-elimination rounds. The Apertura season’s dynamic schedule means fans in North America can follow the drama as teams aim to translate regular-season form into postseason success. Commentary and analysis will emphasize the strategies, key matchups and turning points that have historically defined the Liguilla in Mexico’s top flight.
With the postseason approaching, supporters should expect a mix of veteran leadership and emerging talent stepping up on the big stage. This blend often shapes the pivotal moments that swing a series, from decisive goals in extra time to last-ditch defensive stands that preserve a slender lead. The competition’s format rewards consistency in the regular phase while placing immense importance on intensity and composure during the knockout rounds.
Historically, the Apertura postseason has produced dramatic upsets and memorable comebacks. Each participating club will aim to write a fresh chapter in its own history, leveraging tactical flexibility and crowd support to create an atmosphere that resonates beyond stadium walls. The convergence of ambition, schedule, and resilience will, more than anything, determine which team elevates above the rest when the final whistle sounds.
In the weeks ahead, fans should expect a sequence of tightly contested ties, dramatic finishes and moments that redefine a club’s season. The Liguilla is not just a test of skill; it is a test of nerve, depth and the ability to perform under pressure. North American fans will find this postseason as compelling as any in North American football, offering a showcase that blends elite execution with the raw emotion of championship pursuits [Goal].